I have had some ongoing dental issues for the last 12 years! Thus, I have had the opportunity (I won’t say pleasure) of visiting many dental offices. One of the major themes, other than pain and large bills, in dentistry seems to be the employment of only female dental hygienists. In fact, as I reminisce back over my long lifetime of dental experiences, I can honestly say I have never seen a single male hygienist or for that matter a black hygienist of either sex. I started to wonder why that might be. I do not live in an extremely segregated community. I know of at least two black dentists, although I have never been a patient of theirs. I do not live in a small town, although I have in the past. I have seen dentists in other states as well as numerous cities and towns throughout New York State.

Our local community college offers a degree program in Dental Hygiene. I called there to see if they could shed some light on the phenomenon. I was told that it is a very selective and competitive program, accepting only 42 students a year. It is also a program that requires a strong foundation in high school science. I really never knew that dental hygiene was such a demanding field. I asked if minorities and men were encouraged to apply to the program. I was told that the college does not have a minority recruitment program. As far as men entering the field, I was informed that men who are interested in dentistry as a profession become dentists, not hygienists. This, as I mentioned to the college representative is the same sexist excuse given for years to explain the low numbers of men entering the Nursing profession, another white, female dominated profession.

The community college representative informed me that there is one male dental hygienist she knows of who is currently practicing in the local community! The tide is turning evidently, although quite slowly in regards to male Dental Hygienists. She encouraged me to contact the American Dental Hygiene Association about my concerns as they might be more aware of overall statistics regarding minority enrollment in Dental Hygiene programs throughout the country.

The ADHA responded quickly to my emailed query, agreeing with the validity of my perception of low male and minority representation within the field of Dental Hygiene. The ADHA does offer are a number of scholarships for Dental Hygiene students, including one that is earmarked specifically for male and other underrepresented groups (minority) Dental Hygiene Students. I was happy to know that they recognize the problem, and that they are working on it. So now all I have to worry about is my next trip to the dentist and paying the bill!

I am so happy that New York State has finally decided to allow all people the right to marry whomever they choose to marry. It is a long overdue correction of an error born of ignorance and mostly based upon religious extremists’ interpretation of what marriage is for, procreation.

A strange thing happened to me the moment I heard that my state would be allowing same-sex marriage now, only about a month ago. I immediately felt more free! I don’t know why really and wonder if other people felt it too. I am happily married and have no plans to make use of this new right, probably ever! Yet I felt more free. That was the key to my complete realization of how unjust the marriage laws in New York State had been. When someone who doesn’t need be given the right to marry still feels more free, you know a wrong has been made right.

Now if only every state in this country would see the error of their ways! Of course the Federal government also needs to move out of the dark ages and into the light of equal rights for all Peoples regardless of whether or not they have the ability to reproduce.

Okay so now everyone reading my blog knows how lacking in computer savvy I really am. If only I had majored in audiovisual/communications in high school. Instead I opted for a science/math concentration. Well now is way too late to rethink that decision. Oh wait, there were no computers when I went to high school, and no internet! So, see I really have a great excuse. I am old. In fact I can use that excuse more and more freely as the years add up for me. I also note that it is increasingly difficult to care about learning how to upload photos and create documents.

This sort of relates to my lack of interest in the English Royal Family’s latest life events. Of course not being a British citizen, or a fan of monarchial rule, also contributes to my disinterest in their family. I in fact feel enormous dismay over the great interest shown by descendants of the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” (Americans) to this rather every day event (young people marrying) taking place in the families of those who cause “the huddled masses” to long for freedom by denying them freedom in their own countries, Royal Families!

Thus in this, and indeed in many ways, I am out of step with the modern world. I can learn to use my computer to better express my opinions and thusly convey in a more appealing and convincing way any notions that may pop into my old head now and then. But, I can not forget why my country exists, and what it stands for. It is diametrically in opposition to all inheritable rights to governance and rulership; which of course allows the accruing and retaining of wealth and power as a family. The people of such nations have no legal way to roust power from their Monarchs. Monarchies are just like dictatorships, only more so.

To all those American citizens that get all dreamy-eyed at the “fairy tale wedding” of young English Nobles decked out in all their pompous finery; shame on you! Maybe we should offer you all refresher courses in Forms of Government or Why I am an American.

I fail to understand all the attention that is given the Royal Family of England by the media. No other royal families are followed by media sources outside their own country the way the English royals are. They are not especially gifted, mentally or physically. At this point in time they aren’t even really rulers of a nation in the traditional sense of the word. However, the media especially in the United States is very, very interested in these people, for no apparent reason other than the fact that they exist.

So Willy and Kate, much like, his parents, Charley and Diana before them, are making their relationship permanent this week. Who cares?? Not to mention the constant, rather morbid, references to Diana, a woman beatified not only by her family, but apparently the world. For what? She was a relatively silly woman, well-known for her limited intellect, who spent most of her adult life running around like an alley cat in heat while vying for the title of London’s Biggest Trollop with rather stiff competition from her equally adulterous sister-in-law! So what is there to admire?

Anyway, I hope Kate takes a lesson from her many years deceased, but still very popular, mother-in-law’ s faux pas. Tuck yourself in at night, next to Willy, in your castle, made possible by the plundering of other nations over many centuries by his royal ancestors; and be happy, because, for some bizarre reason, the world is watching you.

Oh, and for the record, my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War that freed this nation from the tyranny of England’s monarchial rule! I just don’t get it…

Sister Wives’ Kody & Robyn Brown Expecting a Babyhttp://www.people.com
This will be the first child between Kody and his fourth wife, Robyn..

I thought this was an interesting article. I saw one episode of their tv reality show the other day. Happy Mormon polygamists, coming out of the closet or rather the woodwork. They are attractive, healthy looking, honest, sincere, and most important, self-supporting adults. No child has been injured in the making of this family. They have great personalities, are loveable, friendly and outgoing. No mental health issues, physical illnesses or poverty among these devout old school Mormons.

If only Joseph Smith could have lived in today’s America. He would have had a much easier time of it, establishing his new religion. America today is tolerant of divergence lifestyles and vigorous in defending religious freedom, especially the rights to religious expression. All Mormons would be free to openly follow the prophet’s divinely inspired plan for salvation, including polygamy, not just a few underground families. Today Joseph would most assuredly not be jailed or killed by an angry mob. Today’s America would not only tolerate this religious leader’s cult, but most likely embrace it, as a uniquely American religion! Voyeuristic curiosity in this now only slightly kinky way of life is the worst he could expect. I would find it interesting to see what other divine revelations God would give him concerning the need for major lifestyle changes, for him personally, and of course for God’s chosen people; in order to reach the highest level of the celestial kingdom.

Due to our fear of stepping on the toes of God every cult claiming to be a religion can easily get tax exempt status and solicit funding. How far is America willing to go? Perhaps we need to take another look at religion and what constitutes a legitimate expression of religious faith.